Region surrounding the nucleus of an atom, where electrons are most likely to be found.

Element Arrangements

Some of the element families are the noble gases in group 18, the Halogens in group 17, and the Oxygen family in group 16.

Is the force that holds two atoms together.

Chemical bonds unite atoms in a compound much as glue unites the pieces of a toy boat.

Each energy level can hold a maximum number of electrons. The further an energy level is from the nucleus, the more electrons it can hold.

The first energy level, energy level 1, can hold one or two electrons. The second, energy level 2, can hold up to 8 electrons. The third energy level can hold up to 18 electrons. And the last energy level can hold a maximum of 32 electrons.

Atoms bond with other atoms in such a way that each atom becomes more stable.

The symbol for element surrounded by as many dots as there are electrons in its outer energy level.

Elements can be divided into groups, or families. Members of the same element family have similar chemical properties.